Grant says coaches must do their part as well

MOSCOW, Russia – Track and field coach Fritz Grant, who was an assistant on Team Bahamas here in Moscow, Russia, said that in order for Bahamian athletes to continue experiencing the success that they have enjoyed over the past 20 years, coaches in the country must do their part.

Next year, The Bahamas will host the inaugural World Relay Championships, and Grant said that it is important that the country has a grand showing. At these 14th International Association of Athletic Federations’ (IAAF) World Championships, he said that the 25-member team’s overall performance was respectable, but there is so much more that could be done.

“For me, it’s been a great experience,” said Grant. “We wanted to put together a camp to get this headed in the right direction, particularly for the relays, but unfortunately we were unable to do that. I think that might have caused us a little.

“Unfortunately, injuries played a part as well. We had to put in the best possible combinations. I think all of the athletes did their best. Overall, I was pleased with the performances of all of the athletes.

“At the end of the day, this was a very young team and I think The Bahamas needs to be proud of these athletes. At each meet, you would have some subpar performances, but in all things, give God thanks.”

Grant, who had responsibility over the men’s sprint relay team here in Moscow, said that he was particularly pleased with the effort those four guys gave him especially since they were the only legs that were available.

“Those four young men went out there and ran their hearts out,” said Grant. “We have to realize that across the board, the competition was very intense. The high jump competition, in particular, was one of the best high jump competitions that I have ever seen in track and field.

“We have to continue to find ways to improve our skills, our coaching, and stay on top in terms of education. We have to continue to educate ourselves as coaches, thereby we can improve skills and techniques to make our athletes better. Once we do that as coaches, we would have given our athletes the best opportunity to succeed, and excel in international competitions.”

The Bahamas finished in an eight-way tie for 30th at the global meet which wrapped up yesterday evening at the Luzhniki Big Sports Arena here in Moscow.